U-SWATH. The Innovative CNR Research USV

This paper describes U-SWATH an innovative Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV), based on a Small Waterplane Area Twin Hulls (SWATH) design, developed by CNR INSEAN and ISSIA for institutional research purposes. The vehicles is composed of a wide flat deck covered with solar panels which connects two torpedo hulls. The hulls are composed of modular and interchangeable sections that can be outfitted with different payloads, equipments, propulsive or manoeuvring elements. The propulsion system is based on ad hoc electrical azimuthal thrusters. The solar panels covering the wide U-SWATH bridge are used for recharging the batteries supplying power to the vehicle. U-SWATH is multitasking and the goal of the designers was to develop a cutting-edge autonomous multi-purpose platform for carrying out research in the marine and the maritime fields.